Accredited Schools of Social Work

Only those masters degrees obtained at institutions that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education qualify for the LCSW. An applicant who possesses a degree from a school or department of social work that is a candidate for accreditation is eligible to register as an associate clinical social worker to gain experience toward licensure, but will not be eligible for examination until the school or department of social work has received accreditation.

By law, the Board has the duty to evaluate all candidates’ qualifications including, but not limited to: transcripts, verification forms, and degree program requirements. All degree programs must meet all Board laws and regulations in addition to meeting accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

The list below identifies those California schools that offer social work degrees. The Additional Courses Required information is based on information provided to BBS by the schools. Since schools occasionally change program curriculum and course descriptions, the information below may not reflect these changes. Please contact the school directly for the most current list of additional coursework required.

The Additional Courses Required documents provide a list of courses offered by the school that fulfill pre-licensure education and training requirements. The majority of California schools offer these courses as part of their social work degree program. If your degree program does not include any of the pre-licensure requirements, then refer to the lists below.

Note: Effective January 1, 2014, all ASW applicants must have completed training or coursework in California law and professional ethics. This coursework may be embedded within more than one course and must cover certain topic areas as specified in Business and Professions Code Section 4996.18. The Board has received confirmation from the Accredited Schools of Social Work in California verifying that this law and ethics requirement is embedded in their programs. Please check with your school if you have additional questions concerning this requirement.

Note: Effective January 1, 2014, if your degree is from an out-of-state school, you will be required to complete an 18-hour course in California law and professional ethics that meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code Section 4996.17.

If you have an out-of-state degree lacking the required California coursework, refer to the lists below for California schools that offer these courses.